The City of Armadale Writers’ Festival will include a weeklong feast of conversation, literature and the sheer joy of words, from Saturday 2 to Saturday 9 September 2023.
This year there is an exciting range of informative and creative sessions, including author talks that will appeal to a wide audience of readers and aspiring authors.
Whether you are a reader, aspiring writer or simply enjoy listening to excellent speakers, come along and be entertained and informed during the festival.
See below for a snapshot of the events we have lined up for the festival –
Romance Stripped Bare
2 September, 5 – 7.30pm
Avocados Bar & Café
Join Rachael Johns and special guests Nicci Harris, Louisa West, and Sex and Relationship Therapist Mim Kempson for a romantic rendezvous to uncover the saucy secrets to writing great romance!
Books will be available for sale and signing after the event. Light refreshments provided (drinks for purchase at the bar). This session is for adults.
A practical guide to publication: Pitching, Prepping and Promotion
4 September, 10am – 12noon
Armadale Library
Join Fremantle Press publisher Georgia Richter in a practical workshop for first-time writers who are preparing a manuscript for publication and explore:
- How to know when your manuscript is ready for publication.
- How to identify the intended market for your work.
- Whether to publish or self-publish – which is best for you.
- How to pitch your manuscript to publishers and your readers.
- When should promotion of your work begin
Bring along a pen, paper and a device to access the internet. This session is for adults.
Creative Writing with Kristy Nita Brown
4 September, 4 – 5pm
Armadale Library
Behind every story there is a great character. Learn fun ways to invent magical, memorable characters with debut junior fiction author, Kristy Nita Brown. This session is for children 7 to 12 years of age.
The Art of Storytelling
5 September at Armadale Library
Session One: 9am – 12noon / Session Two: 1 – 4pm
Join us for a fun and revealing storytelling workshop where you will learn the skills and confidence to become a strong storyteller and communicator.
These workshops are facilitated by an expert storytelling trainer - learn the essentials of impactful storytelling, improve your confidence in public speaking and communication, bond & connect with others in your community, and have the opportunity to share your story publicly. These sessions are for adults.
Cafe Poesy: Poets in a Café
6 September, 2 – 3.30pm
Dome Café Armadale
We are thrilled to showcase three extraordinary poets, one of whom is a cherished local talent - Caitlin Ellis, Carly Beth, and Liz Reed.
Prepare to be moved as each poet takes the stage, weaving their emotions into vivid tapestries of imagery and rhythm. From heart-wrenching verses to moments of pure elation, their words will transport you to new realms of thought and feeling. Session is for all ages.
Moved by Art: An Evening of Storytelling
6 September, 5.30 – 7.30pm
Armadale Library
Join us for an intimate evening listening to community stories about writing, art, and the experiences which inspire us.
You will first hear from trained storytellers and writers Vuma Phiri and Nisha D’Cruz. Then we will move into the community segment of the evening, where people who have recently participated in our storytelling workshops will also have the chance to share their stories. This session is for adults.
How to self-publish a book in Australia
7 September, 10am – 12noon
Seville Grove Library
Do you have a story you want to share with the world? Have you tried to go down the route of traditional publishing but were only met with rejection after rejection?
During this workshop Raihanaty A. Jalil will walk you through a step-by-step process to produce high-quality books in both digital and physical form which people won’t believe are self-published. She will give you an honest account about the ups and downs of choosing this path so you can make an informed decision about how best to release your baby into the world. This session is for adults.
How to Podcast: Youth Storytelling Workshop
7 September, 5 – 7pm
Armadale Library
If you have always wanted to start your own podcast – join podcaster and oral storytelling producer Luisa Mitchell for a fun, interactive workshop where you’ll learn everything from the different types of podcasts, how to effectively engage listeners and followers, the fundamentals of impactful storytelling, how to create a podcast, and even record your very own first episode! This session is for 12 - 16 year olds.
Write around Armadale: Local Writers' Showcase
8 September, 10am – 2.30pm
Armadale Central Shopping Centre in front of the library
Featuring some of the many wonderfully talented writers within the community, come and meet these creatives, be inspired by their words, discover writing groups, and be encouraged to pick up a pen! This session is for all ages.
Sundowner with the Stars
8 September, 5 – 6.30pm
Armadale Library
Join us for the evening to mix, mingle, and ask more questions of the authors, hosts, and presenters of this year’s Armadale Writers' Festival. This session is for adults.
Behind Glass: Escape from History House Museum
9 September at History House Museum
Session One: 10 – 11.30am / Session Two: 1 - 2.30pm
Something isn't right here. There is a card in the display case, but no item behind it. There are objects in the incorrect places; and artefacts that are standing wrong side up.
As curators of other nearby museums, you are called to the venue after hours in order to help figure out what is causing these disturbances.
Once inside, you are greeted by one of the exhibits who has come to life. They are happy to show you around and share tales about the other exhibits. As you hear stories from their lives, it becomes clear that one of them is the culprit behind these disturbances. The question is, which one? Succeed and you will find yourself promoted. Fail, and you may find yourself trapped behind glass forever. This session is for teens and adults.
Live History: Script Writing Workshop
9 September, 3.30 – 5pm
Armadale Library
Unleash your storytelling potential in the enchanting world of site-specific theatre!
Presented by international theatre company Live History this captivating writer's workshop is an opportunity to dive deep into the art of writing and unlock the secrets of site-specific theatre.
Explore the relationship between space and narrative as you craft immersive stories that transport and captivate audiences. This session is for teens and adults.
Places are limited and bookings are essential for all these sessions. Visit library.armadale.wa.gov.au or call 9394 5125 to book your place.
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